Welcome to TIL (Today I Learned) Tuesdays, where we will discuss specific facts about something. Looking to learn about something new every day? Reddit.com has a wonderful and very active TIL community. Feel free to bring something to the table that you know that others generally don't.
I'll start. TIL that new toothbrushes are not more effective than old, worn ones.
FTA: "There is inconclusive evidence about the relationship between toothbrush wear and plaque removal. This randomized cross-over clinical trial aimed to validate or invalidate non-inferiority in the plaque-removal efficacy of old vs. new toothbrushes in the hands of 7- and 8-year-old children... in contrast to what is generally thought, the wear status of a toothbrush might be less critical for the maintenance of good plaque control. Cited studies were all performed with adults... The finding that heavily worn 14-month-old toothbrushes with severe bristle matting in the hands of 7- and 8-year-olds are not less effective than new toothbrushes with regard to plaque-removal capacity has important consequences for school brushing programs. If the old toothbrush can be maintained far beyond the generally recommended three-month period, school-based toothbrushing programs in underserved communities have a better chance to be sustained."
Plaque Removal by Young Children Using Old and New Toothbrushes
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Original posting by Braincrave Second Life staff on Oct 19, 2010 at http://www.braincrave.com/viewblog.php?id=354
